tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35953230875959780622018-03-07T10:17:06.053-05:00Another day at the New, Old houseCari Skusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03867915893000450291noreply@blogger.comBlogger94125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3595323087595978062.post-79355039012626916322012-02-13T19:40:00.001-05:002012-02-13T19:40:53.375-05:00Project Life Week #2Week Two was a little easier for me to do since getting back to scrapping!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZidVJCP-u44/TzmkU3fCBVI/AAAAAAAACTM/cXbrtcJk6IU/s1600/IMG_0008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZidVJCP-u44/TzmkU3fCBVI/AAAAAAAACTM/cXbrtcJk6IU/s400/IMG_0008.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I also enjoyed using some of the new items I downloaded along with my old stuff. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-go_kFSlX-O8/TzmkZUBm4lI/AAAAAAAACTU/YXZxIzRJqFE/s1600/IMG_0009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-go_kFSlX-O8/TzmkZUBm4lI/AAAAAAAACTU/YXZxIzRJqFE/s400/IMG_0009.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I had some initial problems with the sizing of the cards when printing, but that was OK because I could use those cards on top of the patterned paper. This week included football watching, hockey, Math tournaments, Mad Libs and a new pair of glasses. (Click on the photos to make them bigger).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KiFqhJi8ZVg/TzmkfaEBi7I/AAAAAAAACTc/n_T_pjEYor0/s1600/IMG_0010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="333" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KiFqhJi8ZVg/TzmkfaEBi7I/AAAAAAAACTc/n_T_pjEYor0/s400/IMG_0010.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />Here are a few links for the products I used in these pages:<br /><br /><br /><div><table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td><div style="display: table-cell; float: left; height: 164px; text-align: center;"><div style="display: table-cell; height: 79px; vertical-align: middle; width: 82px;"><a href="http://lm.inlinkz.com/go.php?i=67748&amp;c=11601" target="_blank" title="Smash Black Pen"> <img src="http://lm.inlinkz.com/thumbs/20120210/15624/75/1328888731.46" /> </a> </div><div style="line-height: 1.1; overflow: hidden; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; width: 82px;"><a href="http://lm.inlinkz.com/go.php?i=67748&amp;c=11601" target="_blank" title="Smash Black Pen"> Smash Black Pen<br /> </a> </div></div></td><td><div style="display: table-cell; float: left; height: 164px; text-align: center;"><div style="display: table-cell; height: 79px; vertical-align: middle; width: 82px;"><a href="http://lm.inlinkz.com/go.php?i=67741&amp;c=11601" target="_blank" title="Becky Higgins Project Life Pages - Design F"> <img src="http://lm.inlinkz.com/thumbs/20120210/15624/75/1328888491.14" /> </a> </div><div style="line-height: 1.1; overflow: hidden; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; width: 82px;"><a href="http://lm.inlinkz.com/go.php?i=67741&amp;c=11601" target="_blank" title="Becky Higgins Project Life Pages - Design F"> Becky Higgins Project Life Pages - Design F<br /> </a> </div></div></td><td><div style="display: table-cell; float: left; height: 164px; text-align: center;"><div style="display: table-cell; height: 79px; vertical-align: middle; width: 82px;"><a href="http://lm.inlinkz.com/go.php?i=67729&amp;c=11601" target="_blank" title="Layered Journal Cards No. 01"> <img src="http://lm.inlinkz.com/thumbs/20120210/15624/75/1328887666.47" /> </a> </div><div style="line-height: 1.1; overflow: hidden; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; width: 82px;"><a href="http://lm.inlinkz.com/go.php?i=67729&amp;c=11601" target="_blank" title="Layered Journal Cards No. 01"> Layered Journal Cards No. 01<br /> </a> </div></div></td><td><div style="display: table-cell; float: left; height: 164px; text-align: center;"><div style="display: table-cell; height: 79px; vertical-align: middle; width: 82px;"><a href="http://lm.inlinkz.com/go.php?i=69434&amp;c=11601" target="_blank" title="Elle's Studio Sunday Card"> <img src="http://lm.inlinkz.com/thumbs/20120213/15624/75/1329178325.5" /> </a> </div><div style="line-height: 1.1; overflow: hidden; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; width: 82px;"><a href="http://lm.inlinkz.com/go.php?i=69434&amp;c=11601" target="_blank" title="Elle's Studio Sunday Card"> Elle's Studio Sunday Card<br /> </a> </div></div></td><td><div style="display: table-cell; float: left; height: 164px; text-align: center;"><div style="display: table-cell; height: 79px; vertical-align: middle; width: 82px;"><a href="http://lm.inlinkz.com/go.php?i=69467&amp;c=11601" target="_blank" title="Becky Higgins Grid Design Card - Download"> <img src="http://lm.inlinkz.com/thumbs/20120213/15624/75/1329179845.3" /> </a> </div><div style="line-height: 1.1; overflow: hidden; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; width: 82px;"><a href="http://lm.inlinkz.com/go.php?i=69467&amp;c=11601" target="_blank" title="Becky Higgins Grid Design Card - Download"> Becky Higgins Grid Design Card - Download<br /> </a> </div></div></td></tr><tr><td><div style="display: table-cell; float: left; height: 164px; text-align: center;"><div style="display: table-cell; height: 79px; vertical-align: middle; width: 82px;"><a href="http://lm.inlinkz.com/go.php?i=69451&amp;c=11601" target="_blank" title="EK Photo Captions Punch"> <img src="http://lm.inlinkz.com/thumbs/20120213/15624/75/1329179020.04" /> </a> </div><div style="line-height: 1.1; overflow: hidden; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; width: 82px;"><a href="http://lm.inlinkz.com/go.php?i=69451&amp;c=11601" target="_blank" title="EK Photo Captions Punch"> EK Photo Captions Punch<br /> </a> </div></div></td><td><div style="display: table-cell; float: left; height: 164px; text-align: center;"><div style="display: table-cell; height: 79px; vertical-align: middle; width: 82px;"><a href="http://lm.inlinkz.com/go.php?i=69456&amp;c=11601" target="_blank" title="October Afternoon Homemaker Pins"> <img src="http://lm.inlinkz.com/thumbs/20120213/15624/75/1329179310.19" /> </a> </div><div style="line-height: 1.1; overflow: hidden; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; width: 82px;"><a href="http://lm.inlinkz.com/go.php?i=69456&amp;c=11601" target="_blank" title="October Afternoon Homemaker Pins"> October Afternoon Homemaker Pins<br /> </a> </div></div></td><td><div style="display: table-cell; float: left; height: 164px; text-align: center;"><div style="display: table-cell; height: 79px; vertical-align: middle; width: 82px;"><a href="http://lm.inlinkz.com/go.php?i=69463&amp;c=11601" target="_blank" title="Customizable Journaling Cards No.2"> <img src="http://lm.inlinkz.com/thumbs/20120213/15624/75/1329179680.57" /> </a> </div><div style="line-height: 1.1; overflow: hidden; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; width: 82px;"><a href="http://lm.inlinkz.com/go.php?i=69463&amp;c=11601" target="_blank" title="Customizable Journaling Cards No.2"> Customizable Journaling Cards No.2<br /> </a> </div></div></td><td><div style="display: table-cell; float: left; height: 164px; text-align: center;"><div style="display: table-cell; height: 79px; vertical-align: middle; width: 82px;"><a href="http://lm.inlinkz.com/go.php?i=69453&amp;c=11601" target="_blank" title="Secret Smash Pocket"> <img src="http://lm.inlinkz.com/thumbs/20120213/15624/75/1329179183.43" /> </a> </div><div style="line-height: 1.1; overflow: hidden; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; width: 82px;"><a href="http://lm.inlinkz.com/go.php?i=69453&amp;c=11601" target="_blank" title="Secret Smash Pocket"> Secret Smash Pocket<br /> </a> </div></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><a href="http://www.inlinkz.com/" style="color: #bbbbbb; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal arial; text-decoration: none;">InLinkz.com</a></div><img height="0" src="http://lm.inlinkz.com/cimp.php?c=11601" style="border: none !important; margin: 0 !important; padding: 0 !important;" width="0" /><br /><br />Cari Skusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03867915893000450291noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3595323087595978062.post-64376273939105268572012-02-10T10:48:00.003-05:002012-02-10T10:48:32.296-05:00Let me blow the dust off...!OK, so it's been a while of nothing.<br /><br />I thought I'd come back here and share some of what I've been up to this year. I decided to get back to scrap booking and photo taking this year. So, I started with this class over at <a href="http://www.studiocalico.com/" target="_blank">Studio Calico</a> called Photo-A-Day. So far I can proudly say that I have kept up faithfully. You can see my progress here at <a href="http://www.shuttercal.com/calendar/cskuse/" target="_blank">ShutterCal</a>.<br /><br />I also decided to join the Project Life bandwagon. I have really enjoyed getting back to doing this kind of creative work. It had been over a year since I had done any type of scrap booking! (If you are interested in learning more about <a href="http://www.beckyhiggins.com/" target="_blank">Project Life, check it out here</a>.)<br /><br />I thought that I would share my first week of Project Life now. It was a little hard to get back into the rhythm of picking everything and making something I was happy with.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yGhukltoA_4/TzUntMPpWwI/AAAAAAAACS0/epgwW--kZy8/s1600/IMG_0011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yGhukltoA_4/TzUntMPpWwI/AAAAAAAACS0/epgwW--kZy8/s640/IMG_0011.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>This is the whole two-page spread for Jan. 1-7.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mjQamEAOFCQ/TzUnxGUPJoI/AAAAAAAACS8/BiN2t-UOTVE/s1600/IMG_0012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="362" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mjQamEAOFCQ/TzUnxGUPJoI/AAAAAAAACS8/BiN2t-UOTVE/s400/IMG_0012.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>By the time that I decided I was going to do this, most of the page protector styles were sold out. I ended up with Style D. It works, but I think that I would rather go to Style A when they are replenished. I used a lot of items from my stash (I've been scrapping for over 10 year, so I have LOTS of stuff).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VeWnJTOsKpU/TzUn1R-39hI/AAAAAAAACTE/i83mHMGfTx0/s1600/IMG_0013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VeWnJTOsKpU/TzUn1R-39hI/AAAAAAAACTE/i83mHMGfTx0/s400/IMG_0013.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Part of the reason I love this system is that I can add anything I want to tell the story of our week. As you can see here I added a gift card, papers from school and game cards from Clue. I think that it adds a great layer to telling the story of everyday life that my kids will appreciate when they are adults and have kids of their own.<br /><br />I will try to update this every week to show you my progress. I have kept up with each week so far! I will add more sooner than later, so that I am caught up in time!<br /><br /><br /><br />Here's a few links to the products I used that are still available:<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td><div style="display: table-cell; float: left; height: 164px; text-align: center;"><div style="display: table-cell; height: 79px; vertical-align: middle; width: 82px;"><a href="http://lm.inlinkz.com/go.php?i=67741&amp;c=11301" target="_blank" title="Becky Higgins Project Life Pages - Design F"> <img src="http://lm.inlinkz.com/thumbs/20120210/15624/75/1328888491.14" /> </a> </div><div style="line-height: 1.1; overflow: hidden; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; width: 82px;"><a href="http://lm.inlinkz.com/go.php?i=67741&amp;c=11301" target="_blank" title="Becky Higgins Project Life Pages - Design F"> Becky Higgins Project Life Pages - Design F<br /> </a> </div></div></td><td><div style="display: table-cell; float: left; height: 164px; text-align: center;"><div style="display: table-cell; height: 79px; vertical-align: middle; width: 82px;"><a href="http://lm.inlinkz.com/go.php?i=67737&amp;c=11301" target="_blank" title="Becky Higgins Clementine Collection Digital Cards"> <img src="http://lm.inlinkz.com/thumbs/20120210/15624/75/1328888156.8" /> </a> </div><div style="line-height: 1.1; overflow: hidden; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; width: 82px;"><a href="http://lm.inlinkz.com/go.php?i=67737&amp;c=11301" target="_blank" title="Becky Higgins Clementine Collection Digital Cards"> Becky Higgins Clementine Collection Digital Cards<br /> </a> </div></div></td><td><div style="display: table-cell; float: left; height: 164px; text-align: center;"><div style="display: table-cell; height: 79px; vertical-align: middle; width: 82px;"><a href="http://lm.inlinkz.com/go.php?i=67734&amp;c=11301" target="_blank" title="Flag Smash Clips"> <img src="http://lm.inlinkz.com/thumbs/20120210/15624/75/1328888012.17" /> </a> </div><div style="line-height: 1.1; overflow: hidden; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; width: 82px;"><a href="http://lm.inlinkz.com/go.php?i=67734&amp;c=11301" target="_blank" title="Flag Smash Clips"> Flag Smash Clips<br /> </a> </div></div></td><td><div style="display: table-cell; float: left; height: 164px; text-align: center;"><div style="display: table-cell; height: 79px; vertical-align: middle; width: 82px;"><a href="http://lm.inlinkz.com/go.php?i=67732&amp;c=11301" target="_blank" title="Studio Calico Kraft Stars"> <img src="http://lm.inlinkz.com/thumbs/20120210/15624/75/1328887797.54" /> </a> </div><div style="line-height: 1.1; overflow: hidden; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; width: 82px;"><a href="http://lm.inlinkz.com/go.php?i=67732&amp;c=11301" target="_blank" title="Studio Calico Kraft Stars"> Studio Calico Kraft Stars<br /> </a> </div></div></td><td><div style="display: table-cell; float: left; height: 164px; text-align: center;"><div style="display: table-cell; height: 79px; vertical-align: middle; width: 82px;"><a href="http://lm.inlinkz.com/go.php?i=67729&amp;c=11301" target="_blank" title="Layered Journal Cards No. 01"> <img src="http://lm.inlinkz.com/thumbs/20120210/15624/75/1328887666.47" /> </a> </div><div style="line-height: 1.1; overflow: hidden; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; width: 82px;"><a href="http://lm.inlinkz.com/go.php?i=67729&amp;c=11301" target="_blank" title="Layered Journal Cards No. 01"> Layered Journal Cards No. 01<br /> </a> </div></div></td></tr><tr><td><div style="display: table-cell; float: left; height: 164px; text-align: center;"><div style="display: table-cell; height: 79px; vertical-align: middle; width: 82px;"><a href="http://lm.inlinkz.com/go.php?i=67719&amp;c=11301" target="_blank" title="Jenni Bowlin Calendar Cards"> <img src="http://lm.inlinkz.com/thumbs/20120210/15624/75/1328886706.2" /> </a> </div><div style="line-height: 1.1; overflow: hidden; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; width: 82px;"><a href="http://lm.inlinkz.com/go.php?i=67719&amp;c=11301" target="_blank" title="Jenni Bowlin Calendar Cards"> Jenni Bowlin Calendar Cards<br /> </a> </div></div></td><td><div style="display: table-cell; float: left; height: 164px; text-align: center;"><div style="display: table-cell; height: 79px; vertical-align: middle; width: 82px;"><a href="http://lm.inlinkz.com/go.php?i=67717&amp;c=11301" target="_blank" title="Jenni Bowlin Playdate Journaling Cards"> <img src="http://lm.inlinkz.com/thumbs/20120210/15624/75/1328886588.66" /> </a> </div><div style="line-height: 1.1; overflow: hidden; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; width: 82px;"><a href="http://lm.inlinkz.com/go.php?i=67717&amp;c=11301" target="_blank" title="Jenni Bowlin Playdate Journaling Cards"> Jenni Bowlin Playdate Journaling Cards<br /> </a> </div></div></td><td><div style="display: table-cell; float: left; height: 164px; text-align: center;"><div style="display: table-cell; height: 79px; vertical-align: middle; width: 82px;"><a href="http://lm.inlinkz.com/go.php?i=67748&amp;c=11301" target="_blank" title="Smash Black Pen"> <img src="http://lm.inlinkz.com/thumbs/20120210/15624/75/1328888731.46" /> </a> </div><div style="line-height: 1.1; overflow: hidden; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; width: 82px;"><a href="http://lm.inlinkz.com/go.php?i=67748&amp;c=11301" target="_blank" title="Smash Black Pen"> Smash Black Pen<br /> </a> </div></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><a href="http://www.inlinkz.com/" style="color: #bbbbbb; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal arial; text-decoration: none;">InLinkz.com</a></div><img height="0" src="http://lm.inlinkz.com/cimp.php?c=11301" style="border: none !important; margin: 0 !important; padding: 0 !important;" width="0" /><br /><br />Cari Skusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03867915893000450291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3595323087595978062.post-31780073550984614142012-01-05T18:50:00.001-05:002012-01-05T18:57:10.254-05:00January 3rd, 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ifZXR4CSvmA/TwY3GpFMAHI/AAAAAAAACHs/lkQsh0Wu6MQ/s1600/IMG_0097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ifZXR4CSvmA/TwY3GpFMAHI/AAAAAAAACHs/lkQsh0Wu6MQ/s320/IMG_0097.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Carrick cleaning up/playing in the snow.</div>Cari Skusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03867915893000450291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3595323087595978062.post-75795713609904492492012-01-05T18:43:00.003-05:002012-01-05T18:57:27.054-05:00January 5th, 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YrXFE_ix0Is/TwY1BiKZqvI/AAAAAAAACHg/aDSINc-qz7g/s1600/IMG_0110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YrXFE_ix0Is/TwY1BiKZqvI/AAAAAAAACHg/aDSINc-qz7g/s320/IMG_0110.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Back in the swing of exercising again. Started back at EA Sports 2 after stopping in June.</div><div style="text-align: center;">My butt is thanking me! ;)</div>Cari Skusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03867915893000450291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3595323087595978062.post-19754405680678163022012-01-04T20:14:00.000-05:002012-01-05T18:57:17.043-05:00January 4th, 2012<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0U3GMbkczQ0/TwT5euRF8gI/AAAAAAAACHU/HjvKKP7u_a8/s1600/IMG_0104.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0U3GMbkczQ0/TwT5euRF8gI/AAAAAAAACHU/HjvKKP7u_a8/s400/IMG_0104.JPG" /></a> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">In the Man Cave after Supper - video game / nap time.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: CENTER;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img align="middle" alt="Posted by Picasa" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" style="-moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; border: 0px none; padding: 0px;" /></a></div>Cari Skusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03867915893000450291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3595323087595978062.post-76292983838137991632012-01-01T20:27:00.001-05:002012-01-05T18:44:54.888-05:00January 1st<div><div style="text-align: center;">At 5 O'Clock in Michigan with Mike &amp; Heather watching the Steelers - Browns game on New Year's Day.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img height="400" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-u0F6tWN4LAw/TwEIQTZOl9I/AAAAAAAACC0/8JE9SvsN_3A/shot_1325456160786.png" width="345" /></div></div>Cari Skusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03867915893000450291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3595323087595978062.post-5572206571555269632011-12-16T08:17:00.000-05:002011-12-16T08:17:49.445-05:00The Holidays and Crepes<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ENZYGmETM-0/Tus_T_rH9iI/AAAAAAAACCA/ao8iWQDDyO4/s1600/IMG_9951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ENZYGmETM-0/Tus_T_rH9iI/AAAAAAAACCA/ao8iWQDDyO4/s400/IMG_9951.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Cade and Cole before their acting debut.</i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;">So proud of these two.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">They were the narrators for their 4th Grade Christmas performance. They did such a good job and were not the least bit nervous! Cade's name was "Charles" and Cole's name was "Alistair". Too funny! All of the students did a fantastic job --this included songs as well as speaking parts. Big undertaking for the new music teacher, Mrs. Obaker. Congratulations to all on a good job!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">At our house, we cook a big breakfast every weekend day. Even while on vacation. One of our specialties is Crepes with Sweet Sour Cream filling. Since I've had some requests for the recipe, I thought I'd share it here:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><u><b>Basic Crepes</b></u></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">1 cup flour</div><div style="text-align: left;">2 eggs </div><div style="text-align: left;">1/2 cup milk</div><div style="text-align: left;">1/2 cup water</div><div style="text-align: left;">1/4 teaspoon salt</div><div style="text-align: left;">2 tablespoons of melted butter</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Mix all ingredients together in a medium bowl. Cook over medium heat in a skillet, turning over once.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><u><b>Crepe Filling</b></u></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">3/4 cup sour cream</div><div style="text-align: left;">8 oz. cream cheese (or one tub of plain Phila. Cooking Cream Cheese)</div><div style="text-align: left;">3 tablespoons sugar</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 tablespoon vanilla</div><div style="text-align: left;">1/2 cup brown sugar</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 teaspoon ground cinnamon</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Combine sour cream and cream cheese in mixer, mix together until smooth. Add sugar, vanilla, sugars, and vanilla. Continue mixing until all ingredients have mixed until smooth on high -- approx. 5 minutes. Spoon into open crepes and fold over. Top with fresh berries or bananas.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Christmas is fast approaching! I only have a few more gifts to buy and most of them are wrapped. I still have to address Christmas cards. We are still getting over our flu bug from Thanksgiving -- slowly but surely. Still have a lingering cough.</div>Cari Skusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03867915893000450291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3595323087595978062.post-30205881714241356802011-10-27T10:03:00.002-04:002011-10-30T11:37:22.999-04:00My Second Quilt - Vintage I-Spy<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-En6QPw23dJU/Tq1uow0-JHI/AAAAAAAAB4A/crIjX07YxzY/s1600/IMG_9887.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="361" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-En6QPw23dJU/Tq1uow0-JHI/AAAAAAAAB4A/crIjX07YxzY/s400/IMG_9887.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>&nbsp;I just finished my second quilt! This one is called the <a href="http://www.diaryofaquilter.com/p/shop-diary-of-quilter.html">Vintage I-Spy Quilt from Amy Smart</a>. I also got all the printed blocks from her. The pattern was very easy to follow and an easy quilt to do. </div><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_Lv9qURuumM/Tq1ut8gcq9I/AAAAAAAAB4I/_0B40V0MJ4o/s1600/IMG_9884.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_Lv9qURuumM/Tq1ut8gcq9I/AAAAAAAAB4I/_0B40V0MJ4o/s400/IMG_9884.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="http://localhost:60134/56c82cde8236347fa88ad411701fbca5/image/7175664198193d8f.jpg"></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">The size is 40 x 40 and a perfect size for my new nephew that will be born in just over a month! </div><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P1En0LhYL1o/Tq1uxelhBjI/AAAAAAAAB4Q/DoQQ7feeE0A/s1600/IMG_9889.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P1En0LhYL1o/Tq1uxelhBjI/AAAAAAAAB4Q/DoQQ7feeE0A/s400/IMG_9889.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="http://localhost:60134/56c82cde8236347fa88ad411701fbca5/image/fdace5d02ca5a317.jpg"></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">In addition to the printed squares, I used <a href="http://www.fatquartershop.com/store/stores_app/Browse_Item_Details.asp?Shopper_id=731910171211317319&amp;Store_id=499&amp;page_id=23&amp;Item_ID=55608&amp;Parent_Ids=">Ash Kona</a> cotton for the solid squares and the backing. The red was also a Kona, but I am not sure exactly which one. The red and white is a new one from <a href="http://www.fatquartershop.com/store/stores_app/Browse_Item_Details.asp?Shopper_id=731910171211317319&amp;Store_id=499&amp;page_id=23&amp;Item_ID=64279&amp;Parent_Ids=">Moda -- Circa 1934 Davis in Red</a>. As you can see it is a much brighter red in person. The blue is a <a href="http://hawthornethreads.com/fabric/designer/timeless_treasures_house_designer/crosshatch_sketch/crosshatch_sketch_in_royal">Timeless Treasures fabric.</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;I quilted it by echoing the seam lines. Not too confident in my free-hand quilting ability yet, so I'll stick with this for now! Here's a closeup of the label I made by hand-stamping and hand-stitching. </div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-33bOdE_S_bw/Tq1u2ojnIPI/AAAAAAAAB4Y/Jt1u5G8Rbs8/s1600/IMG_9895.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-33bOdE_S_bw/Tq1u2ojnIPI/AAAAAAAAB4Y/Jt1u5G8Rbs8/s400/IMG_9895.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="http://localhost:60134/56c82cde8236347fa88ad411701fbca5/image/d871fe26beae38d2.jpg"></a> </div>Cari Skusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03867915893000450291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3595323087595978062.post-44723065495126929402011-10-11T20:52:00.001-04:002011-10-12T06:58:06.072-04:00Last week - maybe...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="400" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GiD20D3lllo/TpTl8KOcHkI/AAAAAAAAB24/ls1E1xT6_-U/shot_1318283447849.png" width="400" />&nbsp;</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></div><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;">This may be the last week for football. Hard&nbsp; to believe&nbsp; that the&nbsp; season is almost over already!&nbsp; </div><br /></div>Cari Skusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03867915893000450291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3595323087595978062.post-81814829916887229922011-09-23T10:17:00.000-04:002011-09-23T10:38:05.118-04:00Other Sewing Projects<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9dmfQ9IaTtg/TnyVEiDaJnI/AAAAAAAABzk/eSNG9xbJyY8/s1600/IMG_9847.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="146" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9dmfQ9IaTtg/TnyVEiDaJnI/AAAAAAAABzk/eSNG9xbJyY8/s400/IMG_9847.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">I've been busy with some other sewing projects too besides the quilt I showed you yesterday. I made a new Halloween table runner for my kitchen table. I used<a href="http://www.diaryofaquilter.com/2010/08/table-runner-tutorial.html"> this method</a> and I can get it totally done in about and afternoon. I have done quite a few of these for gifts and they are so fun and easy to make!</div><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LcKkFand0vg/TnyVEuFDd1I/AAAAAAAABzs/AG0Gux_sfas/s1600/IMG_9849.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LcKkFand0vg/TnyVEuFDd1I/AAAAAAAABzs/AG0Gux_sfas/s400/IMG_9849.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's my new laptop case I made from<a href="http://www.joann.com/joann/search/searchall.jsp?keyword=_usrch:Dsfabrics&amp;searchURL=true"> DS fabric</a> from JoAnn. I got the instructions from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sew-Darn-Cute-Projects-Embellish/dp/0312383835%3FSubscriptionId%3D15HRV3AZSMPK0GXTY102%26tag%3Damznf-us-tbsearchsea-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3D0312383835">this book</a>. It has a lot of cute ideas for sewing and the instructions are pretty easy to follow. It fits my laptop perfectly and has double batting to keep it safe. It was my first attempt at straight line machine quilting.</div><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-56oExK7wZ_0/TnyVE3jP3qI/AAAAAAAABz0/m1e9lO3Zet0/s1600/IMG_9852.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-56oExK7wZ_0/TnyVE3jP3qI/AAAAAAAABz0/m1e9lO3Zet0/s400/IMG_9852.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">This one I am pretty proud of. I made the design myself, based on the laptop case. It was really out of necessity because it is hard to find a case for it since it was just released.</div><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vS-HXE8FcBU/TnyVFGZysHI/AAAAAAAABz8/l_6blfSklNg/s1600/IMG_9853.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vS-HXE8FcBU/TnyVFGZysHI/AAAAAAAABz8/l_6blfSklNg/s400/IMG_9853.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">It's a case for my newest gadget that DH got me for my birthday. It's a Acer A100 tablet. I really didn't need a smartphone since I rarely use a cellphone, but I wanted the functionality of having an Android. This is the next best thing. I picked this one because of the size. It's 7". I didn't want the 10" version because that is almost the same size as my laptop! </div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kHMM_c9zaKc/TnyVFSrgdMI/AAAAAAAAB0E/rfZFwtRv1hw/s400/IMG_9854.JPG" />&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">So far I haven't tried to download too many apps. But one of my favorites is the GroceryIQ app. I can make out my grocery list at home and then take it with me to the store and check off things as I get them. So much easier! I usually forget to add things to my list as the week goes by, but with the app I can just add as I go along and you can even scan the item's UPC to add it to your list! </div></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: CENTER;"></div>Cari Skusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03867915893000450291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3595323087595978062.post-62847452254840848012011-09-22T14:00:00.000-04:002011-09-22T14:00:33.239-04:00My First Quilt!<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">I've been working on this for a while if you remember. After the kids went back to school, I made the push to finish it up. The quilt pattern is from Denyse Schmidt - A Hop, Skip, and a Jump. I had a lot of fun selecting all the patterns for this. I made it for my son, Cole. I think it reflects his colorful personality. He told me that it was the best thing anyone had ever done for him. Awww.</div><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NAu2kIAbLm0/Tnt1kodUiGI/AAAAAAAABzc/X-59jUJF27o/s1600/IMG_9840.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NAu2kIAbLm0/Tnt1kodUiGI/AAAAAAAABzc/X-59jUJF27o/s400/IMG_9840.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Here is the front of the quilt. It is fun to collect all those wonderful patterns and put them together!</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm so glad that it turned out well and I am already working on my next one that is a gift for someone special. After that I have 3 more to make for my other 2 boys and one for me! </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rl5CN9eqZrw/Tnt1kZbZL4I/AAAAAAAABzU/ct8_VAALC6Q/s1600/IMG_9844.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rl5CN9eqZrw/Tnt1kZbZL4I/AAAAAAAABzU/ct8_VAALC6Q/s400/IMG_9844.JPG" /></a></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: CENTER;"><br />Here is the back of the quilt. I just used the same pattern to go the whole way across in a rainbow.<br />I machine quilted it in a random straight pattern.&nbsp; </div>Cari Skusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03867915893000450291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3595323087595978062.post-38160318939557051512011-08-03T15:12:00.003-04:002011-08-04T00:10:36.283-04:00Our Summer So Far<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u79vxAC82N0/TgtyvgtnwuI/AAAAAAAABrc/6TD7ifs_ww0/s400/IMG_9734.JPG" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colonial Williamsburg - June 2011 - rolling hoops at the Powell House</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;">We've been busy so far this summer! We took a trip in June to Colonial Williamsburg. The kids enjoyed it as much as I hoped (CW is my most favorite place in the whole world --I interned there when I was in college).</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZWlv4OjuCM0/TgtwyYNN7AI/AAAAAAAABpo/LdzKsP1N-Jw/s1600/IMG_9707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZWlv4OjuCM0/TgtwyYNN7AI/AAAAAAAABpo/LdzKsP1N-Jw/s400/IMG_9707.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colonial Williamsburg - June 2011 - flash mob with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir<br /> <span style="font-size: small;">We even made history by singing with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir! They were part of a flash mob in the Historic Area on June 21, 2011. You can see it here:</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/embed/GBXXLzE0-rY?rel=0%22%20frameborder=%220%22%20allowfullscreen%3E%3C/iframe%3E">YouTube Video</a></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XLZ4mXL6UKQ/TgtxdHqW93I/AAAAAAAABqU/0EFcC5EdUsI/s1600/IMG_9717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XLZ4mXL6UKQ/TgtxdHqW93I/AAAAAAAABqU/0EFcC5EdUsI/s400/IMG_9717.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colonial Williamsburg - June 2011 - mixing clay for bricks at the Brickmakers</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;">The kids enjoyed everything we did here and I think that we visited all of the sites, with the exception of only 1 or 2! They had maps to fill out of places they had visited and they got the idea to do them all. Overall it was a great trip and I hope to do it again with them sometime soon.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7N8G9Q4bIlk/TjMEW0fcyGI/AAAAAAAABwU/sJS1QgTjPRA/s1600/DSCN1002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7N8G9Q4bIlk/TjMEW0fcyGI/AAAAAAAABwU/sJS1QgTjPRA/s400/DSCN1002.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pig Roast - July 2011<br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">After our trip, it was time for the annual Pig Roast in Corry -- this being number 19</span>. <span style="font-size: small;">It was nice weather and good to see old friends! </span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R5vKw-LJ3fM/TjMEmKG4zDI/AAAAAAAABwY/3VPNb0dknKY/s1600/DSCN1034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R5vKw-LJ3fM/TjMEmKG4zDI/AAAAAAAABwY/3VPNb0dknKY/s400/DSCN1034.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marco Island - Tiger Tail Beach - July 2011</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;">Then two weeks ago we went to Marco Island, FL for a wedding. We stayed for a week in a very nice house. The kids loved to pool and spa. We spent time at the beach and swimming in the pool along with enjoying the local seafood!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ufXdG-TrsB8/TjME37gNbTI/AAAAAAAABwc/8bz6B8Uw8RU/s1600/DSCN1028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ufXdG-TrsB8/TjME37gNbTI/AAAAAAAABwc/8bz6B8Uw8RU/s400/DSCN1028.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marco Island - Our House - July 2011</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;">The wedding was beautiful on the beach by the Hilton (if you&nbsp; know the area). Very wonderful time!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cNwDL5ZaKRI/TjMFMvk196I/AAAAAAAABwg/QwhDgDfB4qQ/s1600/DSCN1079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cNwDL5ZaKRI/TjMFMvk196I/AAAAAAAABwg/QwhDgDfB4qQ/s400/DSCN1079.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marco Island - Jenn and Dave Wedding - July 2011</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;">And now that we had all those wonderful vacations, it's now Football time! Practice started last week. For it signals that summer is just about over. We have to eat either before or after practice (usually after since school is still out) so that takes up about 1/2 of my day it seems.</div>Cari Skusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03867915893000450291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3595323087595978062.post-74957499060363658282011-06-13T10:05:00.001-04:002011-06-13T10:06:28.030-04:00Last Day of School<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GV-4iOoVxcQ/TfYXXlTdNpI/AAAAAAAABfQ/k63Vu17ndfk/s1600/IMG_9580.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GV-4iOoVxcQ/TfYXXlTdNpI/AAAAAAAABfQ/k63Vu17ndfk/s400/IMG_9580.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">The last day of school for the 2010-2011 year. That one really flew by! My mom always told me that as soon as the kids start school, the years will fly by. They certainly do. Carrick will be 11 and starting 5th grade at the Middle School. Not looking forward to that drama and the awkward adolescent years. Cole and Cade will be entering 4th grade -- but we don't know if they will still be at the same school due to the state budget cuts.</div><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F1IaOqNxfEg/TfYXX_ndE7I/AAAAAAAABfY/d5kkk4LP6z0/s400/IMG_9584.JPG" /><br />Here's the photo I got when I told them they could do what they wanted. Interesting.<br /><br />I am very proud of them, though. They all do very well in school and behave themselves for the most part. Let's just hope that I can survive the summer! We have a trip coming up as I said, and lots of nothing to do too.</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: CENTER;"></div>Cari Skusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03867915893000450291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3595323087595978062.post-28839423106265379932011-06-09T10:06:00.000-04:002011-06-09T10:06:21.169-04:00Let me clean off the dust!<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">I've been missing in action again! Where did the days go? Been busy now that the days are hot and lots to do outside. Lots of grass cutting and weed-wacking (it takes me about 3 1/2 hours to cut the grass since we have such a big yard). <br />Last weekend we started the Summer off right with the Memorial Day Parade. Carrick and the district's 4th graders marched in the parade with their recorders playing "Yankee Doodle Dandy". A good way to get them interested in Marching Band. Which makes this momma happy since I was the "Head of the Band Fags" as my wonderful husband likes to call me (stupid pants). I was in Marching Band for over 4 years -- two of those as Drum Major. I have do many wonderful memories from being a part of the band.<br /><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qjlP6x4CBEo/TfDO45q4vJI/AAAAAAAABfI/vrMuF0TEUvA/s400/IMG_9561.JPG" /><br />Here's a shot of Carrick from behind since I didn't see him until he was almost past me. He's the the left of middle.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3jM4y88lXI8/TfDO3ukVH_I/AAAAAAAABew/_zZp6lnqi_U/s1600/IMG_9559.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3jM4y88lXI8/TfDO3ukVH_I/AAAAAAAABew/_zZp6lnqi_U/s400/IMG_9559.JPG" /></a> </div>I was also busy making lots of table runners, 5 in all. I made one for my mom for Mother's Day, one for DH's Grandmother who recently turned 100, and these three for my kids' teachers gifts. They are pretty easy to make with the tutorial here. <br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EjmanXoqPRs/TfDO4c6FgEI/AAAAAAAABfA/wSD31D0XGa8/s1600/IMG_9564.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="340" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EjmanXoqPRs/TfDO4c6FgEI/AAAAAAAABfA/wSD31D0XGa8/s640/IMG_9564.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5fqwDu5w1Vo/TfDO4H_pOiI/AAAAAAAABe4/uy5tK3Elqu0/s1600/IMG_9571.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="390" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5fqwDu5w1Vo/TfDO4H_pOiI/AAAAAAAABe4/uy5tK3Elqu0/s640/IMG_9571.JPG" width="640" />&nbsp;</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The first one in the top photo was for Cade's teacher that loves the Wizard of Oz, the second for Carrick's teacher made with Denise Schmidt fabric from JoAnn, and the third for Cole's teacher that likes pink and made with various fabrics from my stash and a heart batik from JoAnn. I can say that I was successful in getting them all done on time and the teachers loved them. I hate just giving them something bought like a mug, and I thought something handmade would be better. Nice to know what I made was appreciated!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Today is the last day of school and they will only be there 2 hours. Here's to hoping I will keep my sanity over the summer. We have a trip planned to Williamsburg, VA with just the kids and I since DH will be traveling to </div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;China and Korea for work, trips to my parents cabin up north, and of course Football starts July 25th!</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am also working on Cole's quilt, painting around the house, and cutting more grass!</div></div>Cari Skusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03867915893000450291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3595323087595978062.post-28083392129172233002011-04-18T20:05:00.028-04:002011-04-18T20:31:43.096-04:00My newest pursuit<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sUefUyiUQG0/TazR4TbfrQI/AAAAAAAABeE/pBEFS6zWfYA/s1600/IMG_9426.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sUefUyiUQG0/TazR4TbfrQI/AAAAAAAABeE/pBEFS6zWfYA/s400/IMG_9426.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>The kids have been enjoying the warmer weather. If it would just moderate and stay around 70°, I'd be happy! I hate it when it's warm one day, cold the next.&nbsp; It was so windy yesterday -- that's why they have the tarps -- to pretend they were parachutes.<br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OT1070LEmiE/TazR4jSjOAI/AAAAAAAABeM/EB-Odg29hCQ/s1600/IMG_9434.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OT1070LEmiE/TazR4jSjOAI/AAAAAAAABeM/EB-Odg29hCQ/s400/IMG_9434.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>Or tents.<br />I already have cut the grass once ad rolled they yard. We must have a huge family of moles living in our front yard. The whole thing was all torn up with mole tunnels, so I had to roll it before cutting so that the mower blade didn't chew up the high parts.<br /><br />I plan on starting my Spring Cleaning this week. Lots of dust and dead stink bugs to remove. Yuck.<br /><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RM7EdYVftfc/TazR43kJR6I/AAAAAAAABeU/70r_dwVBKAg/s1600/IMG_9437.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="322" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RM7EdYVftfc/TazR43kJR6I/AAAAAAAABeU/70r_dwVBKAg/s400/IMG_9437.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>This is my newest pursuit. I started quilting. I made my first smaller project from a kit that I found <a href="http://www.connectingthreads.com/patterns/Little_Charmers_6_Pattern__D55451.html">here</a> (but now out of stock). It came with all the fabric, all I had to do was follow the directions for cutting and sewing. It was good to start out on something smaller. The quilting was hard to get the hang of -- it's something I'll have to get more practice on. I did enjoy the whole process.<br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uY7uxTIuoIc/TazR5NJnu2I/AAAAAAAABec/Kt8qmmUr1L8/s1600/IMG_9438.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="120" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uY7uxTIuoIc/TazR5NJnu2I/AAAAAAAABec/Kt8qmmUr1L8/s400/IMG_9438.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>I must say that one of my favorite aspects of quilting is all the fabric. I love to pick out prints! There are a few shops not too far away, and there are lots of fabric on Etsy. That's where I've gotten the majority of mine. <br /><br />And here's why I wanted to learn to quilt:<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MDouX4nofKg/TazR5M33k-I/AAAAAAAABek/XRyG1C0rXPM/s1600/IMG_9442.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="425" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MDouX4nofKg/TazR5M33k-I/AAAAAAAABek/XRyG1C0rXPM/s640/IMG_9442.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br />I had fallen in love with these types of <a href="http://susanweinroth.typepad.com/a_little_bit_of_me/2011/03/scrappy-stripes-a-new-quilt.html">quilts</a>. So I wanted to do a quilt for each of my boys (and one for me). This is only one block of Denyse Schmidt's Run, Hop &amp; Jump quilt. I'm using a random grouping of fabrics from my stash for this. I have 4 blocks done, but still need to do about 26 more! I enjoy the cutting and piecing process...I did all 4 of these while watching the NASCAR race yesterday. I can't wait to see what it turns out to look like! This particular quilt is for Cole. <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MDouX4nofKg/TazR5M33k-I/AAAAAAAABek/XRyG1C0rXPM/s1600/IMG_9442.JPG"><br /></a>Cari Skusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03867915893000450291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3595323087595978062.post-83453289892946027672011-03-23T09:07:00.000-04:002011-03-23T09:07:43.932-04:00Signs of Spring!<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6QqEsmuLBFI/TYnvmyPUyoI/AAAAAAAABdY/Gf1BBwa5guI/s1600/IMG_9411.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6QqEsmuLBFI/TYnvmyPUyoI/AAAAAAAABdY/Gf1BBwa5guI/s400/IMG_9411.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>What is this in the field?</i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1vXQ-yjj-G8/TYnvnRzspeI/AAAAAAAABdw/8LSDc9qFj6c/s1600/IMG_9414.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1vXQ-yjj-G8/TYnvnRzspeI/AAAAAAAABdw/8LSDc9qFj6c/s400/IMG_9414.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Oh! It's Mrs. Duck from the creek.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8ACja60KRSc/TYnvm72A3nI/AAAAAAAABdg/xV14MNB3tBI/s1600/IMG_9418.JPG"><br /></a> <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8ACja60KRSc/TYnvm72A3nI/AAAAAAAABdg/xV14MNB3tBI/s1600/IMG_9418.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8ACja60KRSc/TYnvm72A3nI/AAAAAAAABdg/xV14MNB3tBI/s400/IMG_9418.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A daffodil ready to bloom.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8ACja60KRSc/TYnvm72A3nI/AAAAAAAABdg/xV14MNB3tBI/s1600/IMG_9418.JPG"></a> </div><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-csrjabnVzXY/TYnvnCKRZsI/AAAAAAAABdo/qAZ60Plalpk/s1600/DSCN0895.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-csrjabnVzXY/TYnvnCKRZsI/AAAAAAAABdo/qAZ60Plalpk/s400/DSCN0895.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>And crocus in bloom.</i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Happy Spring!</span></i></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1vXQ-yjj-G8/TYnvnRzspeI/AAAAAAAABdw/8LSDc9qFj6c/s1600/IMG_9414.JPG"><br /></a> </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img align="middle" alt="Posted by Picasa" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 50% transparent; border: 0px none; padding: 0px;" /></a></div>Cari Skusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03867915893000450291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3595323087595978062.post-74290856320721172162011-03-18T13:38:00.003-04:002011-03-18T13:49:26.878-04:00Master Bathroom Reveal<div style="text-align: center;">OK, I told you when we had a sunny day I'd take photos. I kept my word. Welcome to my Master Bathroom...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-J-5dbeSeXmk/TYN6FhB6dpI/AAAAAAAABdU/ODidsQasYAQ/s1600/IMG_9391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-J-5dbeSeXmk/TYN6FhB6dpI/AAAAAAAABdU/ODidsQasYAQ/s640/IMG_9391.JPG" width="473" />&nbsp;</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is the view from my bedroom into the bath. Please ignore those two stink bugs on the floor! Now that the weather is warmer, they are popping up everywhere. Yuck.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This room was a new addition to our house, built on over where the old porch was built. The previous owner told me a story about when he and his wife first moved into the house over 50 years ago...she was out on the back porch cleaning the windows when the whole thing fell in on her! Can you imagine? At the time he had bought the house it had been vacant for a couple of years (like when we bought it) and was in disrepair...but they moved in to their first house and fixed it up and lived here for almost 50 years!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Anyway, I knew that I wanted a bigger bath with room for a clawfoot tub (had one in my last house), separate shower and toilet. This is what I came up with. It was all done by DH and me, with the exception of some of the plumbing and electric. I must also tell you that as everything in our house, most everything was bought at discount. I scour sites and the big box stores for deals and make things work for a fraction of the price.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-cYJbL_JkuI4/TYN5urynmxI/AAAAAAAABdA/D6Kc4QOUXeI/s1600/IMG_9380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="483" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-cYJbL_JkuI4/TYN5urynmxI/AAAAAAAABdA/D6Kc4QOUXeI/s640/IMG_9380.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I painted the walls my favorite Martha Stewart Araucana Blue. I&nbsp; love this paint because it changes colors as the light changes -- sometimes it looks blue, while other times it looks green. It was Valspar MS313 when they still carried her colors. I think they can still mix it. The sinks are <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/Bath-Bathroom-Sinks-Pedestal-Basin/Pegasus/h_d1/N-5yc1vZari4Z14v/R-100685908/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&amp;storeId=10051&amp;catalogId=10053">Pegasus from HD</a> and faucets are<a href="http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Restoration-Mini-widespread-Chrome-Faucet/2993486/product.html"> these</a> from Overstock. The mirrors are from IKEA. Not my first pick, but they work for now until I get the money for <a href="http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Classique-Medicine-Cabinet/3164516/product.html">these medicine cabinets</a>.&nbsp; The angel above the sinks is from <a href="http://woodenhen.com/folkart.html">The Wooden Hen</a>, one of my favorite craftswomen. I love her creations, but they had a fire a while back so I'm not sure if she's still making items.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Other items here include a Baldwin Brass towel bar I got on clearance at HD, towels from T.J. Maxx, and see that wooden box on the wall? I got that at the Salvation Army store. I knew exactly what it was when I saw it. Can you believe it is from <a href="https://www.davidtsmith.com/newsite/home.asp">David T. Smith?</a> I think that I paid $4.00 for it and it had a tag on it from an interior decorator that is cost $90.00! (Just ignore that hole right by the can light...still fixing where DH cut the holes a little too big!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Door to toilet. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-jRw9C_k0rgE/TYN6AbltZkI/AAAAAAAABdM/UtQrTHLGZFU/s1600/IMG_9384.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-jRw9C_k0rgE/TYN6AbltZkI/AAAAAAAABdM/UtQrTHLGZFU/s640/IMG_9384.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-q2BzM02-QpI/TYN5lFSTJFI/AAAAAAAABcw/fnCs5xTHqx4/s1600/IMG_9373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-q2BzM02-QpI/TYN5lFSTJFI/AAAAAAAABcw/fnCs5xTHqx4/s640/IMG_9373.JPG" width="426" />&nbsp;</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On the opposite side of the room we have the toilet room. It's nice to have this when you have kids that don't know how to knock before entering! The floors in the bath are 18 x 18 travertine from HD, Kohler toliet (no longer made).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3-dfwnLuif8/TYN5nGftfDI/AAAAAAAABc0/BXkv-rVWkTQ/s1600/IMG_9374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3-dfwnLuif8/TYN5nGftfDI/AAAAAAAABc0/BXkv-rVWkTQ/s640/IMG_9374.JPG" width="342" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Inside are photos of my little ones with bare bottoms. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ilrj8dqFuos/TYN5pmg41rI/AAAAAAAABc4/YChr8_rxiJ4/s1600/IMG_9375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ilrj8dqFuos/TYN5pmg41rI/AAAAAAAABc4/YChr8_rxiJ4/s640/IMG_9375.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bedside the toilet is the shower.The floor is travertine and walls are marble with a green/blue rock insert. The marble is a pinkish-brown-gray mix. I'm not sure I would go with this again. I'd probably go with white marble or white subway tiles in a running bond. But at the time, the price was right. The fixtures are from Kohler that I bought from the HD Expo when they were going out of business 5 years ago.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-POtLNNjDFck/TYN56MMNn1I/AAAAAAAABdI/rVzFTRuL3GM/s1600/IMG_9383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-POtLNNjDFck/TYN56MMNn1I/AAAAAAAABdI/rVzFTRuL3GM/s640/IMG_9383.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;And the shower curtain that I made myself, based on <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/59742445/tea-towel-heather-bailey-nicey-jane">this inspiration</a>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Q_JCSsFFMFg/TYN50fqMJZI/AAAAAAAABdE/pXqODOZ4q70/s1600/IMG_9381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Q_JCSsFFMFg/TYN50fqMJZI/AAAAAAAABdE/pXqODOZ4q70/s640/IMG_9381.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's the full shot. The top piece is made from white heavy cotton decorator fabric I bought at JoAnn's on sale from the clearance bin. The patterned fabric is <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/58754536/6-fat-quarternicey-jane-by-heather">Heather Bailey Nicey Jane</a>.&nbsp; I needed a curtain a little longer than normal, so it made sense to make it myself. It total it cost about $30.00. The branch hook on the wall is from Tag -- a Marshall's purchase for $3.99! The blinds were also another bargain at Lowe's for $16.99 each in the clearance section.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Next is my pride and joy. My clawfoot tub.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-c-ZEk_maWs4/TYN5rgKAe6I/AAAAAAAABc8/Obju2D-aKYw/s1600/IMG_9379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-c-ZEk_maWs4/TYN5rgKAe6I/AAAAAAAABc8/Obju2D-aKYw/s640/IMG_9379.JPG" width="502" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This has been sitting in my backyard for over 5 years, after I bought it in Chicago before we moved. I finally got it refinished through Miracle Method in January. I also had to find matching feet, which is not an easy feat! Not all feet are the same and vary from tub to tub. So after a lot of research, I found the right ones on eBay. I had the pillow and rack from my last tub, but all the fixtures are new and also from eBay. It was a job to find all the pieces that needed to work together, but I think it looks beautiful. So nice to take a bath in this deep tub.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And last, my cabinet that holds all my bathroom supplies. This was found in our garage, but it must have been part of the original china cabinet in the house. It was really dirty and had red plastic where the windows had been. I had originally intended to paint it, but I kind of liked it after I had stripped off many layers of old paint. I still have yet to fix the right hand door (it needs some TLC) and add some chicken wire or screen to the door openings along with a barn board top. What do you think? Should I leave it with the paint or paint it? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-VPlIewdnyIA/TYN6DwIj9gI/AAAAAAAABdQ/01pOujJ1CbE/s1600/IMG_9387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-VPlIewdnyIA/TYN6DwIj9gI/AAAAAAAABdQ/01pOujJ1CbE/s640/IMG_9387.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I hope you enjoyed my tour. Please ask questions if you have any!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-jRw9C_k0rgE/TYN6AbltZkI/AAAAAAAABdM/UtQrTHLGZFU/s1600/IMG_9384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-VPlIewdnyIA/TYN6DwIj9gI/AAAAAAAABdQ/01pOujJ1CbE/s1600/IMG_9387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>Cari Skusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03867915893000450291noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3595323087595978062.post-88749466491316329012011-03-16T13:12:00.001-04:002011-03-16T13:13:20.388-04:00Where I've been for the past 3 months......mostly at home, doing projects. Hockey Start also began for all 3 boys. And Mark was traveling a bunch for work to Austin, San Francisco and Boston.<br /><br />First on the project list was doing Coaches' gifts for all the coaches on my sons' football team. I didn't have a huge amount of money to work with and 6 coaches to buy for, so I had to get creative. I got hooded sweatshirts on sale at Kohl's and also bought a matching t-shirt that I cut up for the freezer paper stencil I did on each.<br /><br />Here's how they came out:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-5z-K5inpNgw/TYDlR_2wkxI/AAAAAAAABcU/ddJIJEwXrEc/s1600/IMG_9327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-5z-K5inpNgw/TYDlR_2wkxI/AAAAAAAABcU/ddJIJEwXrEc/s320/IMG_9327.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I wanted them to look a little distressed, so I stenciled in a rough font and then sewed around it a couple times randomly. I also used a football button for the apostrophe.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oeLAJt7wwvk/TYDlVaSxkSI/AAAAAAAABcY/phWEtGZU9aU/s1600/IMG_9329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oeLAJt7wwvk/TYDlVaSxkSI/AAAAAAAABcY/phWEtGZU9aU/s320/IMG_9329.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>&nbsp;I also added an iron-on on the inside for identification.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-svQ7o0x9oYk/TYDlYSDHJjI/AAAAAAAABcc/yU9kdF1IHkM/s1600/IMG_9330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-svQ7o0x9oYk/TYDlYSDHJjI/AAAAAAAABcc/yU9kdF1IHkM/s320/IMG_9330.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I added the bulldog from the shirt I bought to the back of the head coach's shirt.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-jHH4mPXgoII/TYDlcXjyz0I/AAAAAAAABcg/f5ewy54F9o4/s1600/IMG_9331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-jHH4mPXgoII/TYDlcXjyz0I/AAAAAAAABcg/f5ewy54F9o4/s320/IMG_9331.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I hope that they liked them. We gave them their shirts at the banquet, but that was chaos. It was a lot of work. Each stencil was cut out by hand, stenciled, ironed on, and sewn on x 6! If you are interested in the freezer paper stenciling technique, check out this <a href="http://iammommahearmeroar.blogspot.com/search/label/freezer%20paper%20stenciling">link</a> where I learned.<br /><br />We also got to finishing our Master Bath. It was mostly done with the exception of installing my clawfoot tub. The tub had been sitting in my back yard for the past 5 years where it had sat since buying it in Chicago before we moved back. I got it refinished in January for my Christmas gift. It took a while to get all the pieces together! I had to find feet to fit (not an easy task, but I found them on eBay after a lot of research) and a faucet (eBay again - from England), adapters so that it would fit the holes on my tub (another eBay find) and the fittings and drain.(eBay again!).<br />After getting everything together, we found out that the pipes where plumbed in at the wrong space. So we had to pull up 6 travertine tiles and subfloor to move them. After moving the pipes and replacing the tiles, we were ready to move on. It took a while to get that all done, and now I am happy to say it is all done! I will share photos soon when we have a sunny day...<br />I also made a new shower curtain for my shower. I based the design on <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/59742445/tea-towel-heather-bailey-nicey-jane">this dishtowel I found on Etsy</a>.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-uaAEqBgKKYA/TYDsBf3AsCI/AAAAAAAABck/5QYPirsinr4/s1600/il_570xN.185903281.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-uaAEqBgKKYA/TYDsBf3AsCI/AAAAAAAABck/5QYPirsinr4/s320/il_570xN.185903281.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The fabrics are all from Heather Bailey's Nicey Jane fabric. Like I said, I'll share more photos when we get a sunny day!<br /><br />I also made a few things for my<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/cskuse"> Etsy shoppe</a>. Here they are<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-GNOtb9tSw5k/TYDtMQm-7qI/AAAAAAAABco/Vexv6ZfDh4A/s1600/IMG_9360-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-GNOtb9tSw5k/TYDtMQm-7qI/AAAAAAAABco/Vexv6ZfDh4A/s320/IMG_9360-1.JPG" width="199" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-boaQvekFIsM/TYDtQp8FdCI/AAAAAAAABcs/KWPiYIcq_Zg/s1600/IMG_9352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-boaQvekFIsM/TYDtQp8FdCI/AAAAAAAABcs/KWPiYIcq_Zg/s320/IMG_9352.JPG" width="290" /></a></div><br /><br />I enjoy making these things, but it gets hard to make them when they don't sell. I just keep making things that I would like to have in my own house. And it gives me creative outlet!<br /><br />And the last thing that I have been doing is getting myself back in shape. I've lost almost 10 lbs. since the beginning of December. I got EA Sports Active 2 for XBox. I'll tell you, it kicked my butt for the first couple of weeks! I could hardly walk. But after keeping at it, I actually enjoy it. It's easy because you can do it even when the weather is crappy (which is most of the time here during the winter), it keeps track of your calories burned (I've burned over 5500 calories) and you can miss days and go back and make them up. I had a bunch of that back in January and February because I got a sinus/ear infection. Good times -- not! I'm also eating better and keeping track of what I eat online.<br /><br />I promise to share more of my renovations when it gets sunny and I can take better photos!<br /><br /><br />Have a great day :)Cari Skusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03867915893000450291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3595323087595978062.post-18789870689817684132010-12-17T11:56:00.000-05:002010-12-17T11:56:11.321-05:00My Christmas Home<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TEMRPx16-8s/TQuH3BwuS1I/AAAAAAAABZE/r9c8irCQVUk/s1600/IMG_9255.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TEMRPx16-8s/TQuH3BwuS1I/AAAAAAAABZE/r9c8irCQVUk/s400/IMG_9255.JPG" /></a> </div>I thought I'd share some photos of my home decorated for the holidays. Our Christmas tree is artificial due to the fact that our house is very dry and the needles would be dropping soon after decorating! I also need a very thin tree for the space I have available. There are a ton of ornaments on the tree, some mine from when I was a kids, and many for my kids (we pick a new ornament each year, usually a Hallmark, and they will go with them when they start their own family).&nbsp; *Please ignore the fact that we still do not have any railing on our stairs or that all the trim is not painted!*<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TEMRPx16-8s/TQuH3WEfIPI/AAAAAAAABZM/_nYkEbH0T2Q/s1600/IMG_9242.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TEMRPx16-8s/TQuH3WEfIPI/AAAAAAAABZM/_nYkEbH0T2Q/s400/IMG_9242.JPG" /></a></div><br />The kids' Playmobile Advent scene. This is something we have done for about the past 5 years. Usually involves fighting as to whose turn it is to put the piece on, but this year oldest DS made out a list for each day and that has cut down on the fighting! <br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TEMRPx16-8s/TQuH3TPGWlI/AAAAAAAABZU/DEWAjG3_o1w/s1600/IMG_9244.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TEMRPx16-8s/TQuH3TPGWlI/AAAAAAAABZU/DEWAjG3_o1w/s400/IMG_9244.JPG" /></a> </div>My wonderful hutch that I got many years ago. It holds some of my china, cookbooks, kids activity books, silverware, and other odds and ends. Right now it has a display of my Santas, vintage pieces and the big ceramic Nativity set my mom made for me while I was in High School.<br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><br /><br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TEMRPx16-8s/TQuH3qFk-xI/AAAAAAAABZc/ls98D5As0SI/s400/IMG_9246.JPG" /><br />&nbsp; My chandelier in the dining room all decorated up.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TEMRPx16-8s/TQuRxo47b6I/AAAAAAAABaA/cnG6dxEyaTw/s1600/IMG_9247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TEMRPx16-8s/TQuRxo47b6I/AAAAAAAABaA/cnG6dxEyaTw/s320/IMG_9247.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>&nbsp;Feather tree and various new and vintage items on my victorian side table.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TEMRPx16-8s/TQuR2okOQrI/AAAAAAAABaE/AsSZXVJqR_A/s1600/IMG_9250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TEMRPx16-8s/TQuR2okOQrI/AAAAAAAABaE/AsSZXVJqR_A/s320/IMG_9250.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>&nbsp;Collection of music boxes and snowglobes on the windowsill.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TEMRPx16-8s/TQuR7zg_ivI/AAAAAAAABaI/_1znjwwutUQ/s1600/IMG_9251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TEMRPx16-8s/TQuR7zg_ivI/AAAAAAAABaI/_1znjwwutUQ/s320/IMG_9251.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>&nbsp;Collection of snowmen on top of the TV.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TEMRPx16-8s/TQuR_zpEZ1I/AAAAAAAABaM/gHSpp_OkH64/s1600/IMG_9252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TEMRPx16-8s/TQuR_zpEZ1I/AAAAAAAABaM/gHSpp_OkH64/s320/IMG_9252.JPG" width="201" /></a></div>&nbsp;The cozy fireplace and decorated mantle.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TEMRPx16-8s/TQuSHvjCmOI/AAAAAAAABaQ/CHxVnIRyL8I/s1600/IMG_9257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TEMRPx16-8s/TQuSHvjCmOI/AAAAAAAABaQ/CHxVnIRyL8I/s320/IMG_9257.JPG" width="243" /></a></div>&nbsp;Shelves I made in my kitchen. Vintage-y Christmas. Most of the decorations found at TJ Maxx or Marshalls. I love it when I find Bethany Lowe, Nicol Sayre and similar products there!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TEMRPx16-8s/TQuSNXYGRDI/AAAAAAAABaU/UK-A2XTxDDo/s1600/IMG_9259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TEMRPx16-8s/TQuSNXYGRDI/AAAAAAAABaU/UK-A2XTxDDo/s320/IMG_9259.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>My Cat's Meow Colonial Williamsburg houses on top of my cabinets.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TEMRPx16-8s/TQuSTH5xckI/AAAAAAAABaY/0Vev805dRrU/s1600/IMG_9260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TEMRPx16-8s/TQuSTH5xckI/AAAAAAAABaY/0Vev805dRrU/s320/IMG_9260.JPG" width="237" /></a></div>&nbsp;And the door to my pantry.<br /><br /><br />I hope you enjoyed the little tour! Have a wonderful holiday!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Cari Skusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03867915893000450291noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3595323087595978062.post-89810728180376192532010-12-17T10:53:00.000-05:002010-12-17T10:53:37.559-05:00My Special Furniture Piece<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TEMRPx16-8s/TQuHS3fZ_II/AAAAAAAABY8/eGhYhbB7dWk/s1600/IMG_9262.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TEMRPx16-8s/TQuHS3fZ_II/AAAAAAAABY8/eGhYhbB7dWk/s400/IMG_9262.JPG" /></a> </div>I just got this piece. It's not an expensive antique, but to me it's priceless. It was my grandmother's china cabinet. It had been stored for many years in my aunt's garage, but now it is mine. The piece is probably from the 40s, but I'm not sure. My dad has 9 brothers and sisters, so money was not something that they had to spare. That's why it's special to have this piece. I think it is the only material thing I have from my grandparents. My grandfather died when I was pretty young and I was probably 12 when my grandmother died.<br />Now I need to find a place for it in my home. I don't have a lot of wall space, so I am limited as to where it will reside. It does need a through cleaning and polishing. But I am so happy it is here.<br /><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img align="middle" alt="Posted by Picasa" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 50% transparent; border: 0px none; padding: 0px;" /></a></div>Cari Skusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03867915893000450291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3595323087595978062.post-45212336555587243492010-12-02T18:59:00.004-05:002010-12-02T18:59:59.367-05:002010 Christmas Card<div class="sflyProductPreviewWidget" style="width:425px; height:494px;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetTop" style="height:6px; background-image:url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/top.gif);"></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetCenter" style="height:482px; padding: 0 6px 0 6px; background-image:url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/bg.gif); background-repeat:repeat-y;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewLogo" style="width: 105px; height: 34px; padding: 14px 0 0 14px;"><img src="http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/logo.gif"></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewContainer" style="height:350px; text-align:center; padding: 0;"><a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery"><img src="http://images-community.shutterfly.com/prs/v1/8AcNGLdq0Ys1/8AcNGLdq0Ys1cW/p/67b0de21b3127d902548/JPEG/1291334299000/0/"></a></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewMessageContainer" style="height:55px; background-color:#f4f4e9; text-align:center; padding: 15px 0 15px 0; line-height: 19px;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewTitle" style="font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 15px; color: #333333; font-weight: bold;"><span>Ribbon Wishes Christmas 5x7 folded card</span></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewSEOText" style="font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 13px; color: #333333;"><span>Make a statement with Shutterfly <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery" style="color: #6666cc;">Christmas photo cards</a>.</span></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewViewCollection" style="font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 13px; color: #333333;"><span>View the entire <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery" style="color: #6666cc;">collection</a> of cards.</span></div><img width="1" height="1" border="0" src="https://os.shutterfly.com/b/ss/sflyshareprod/1/H.15/111?pageName=sharekey&c1=msc&c2=blogger" /></div></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetBottom" style="height:6px; background-image:url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/bottom.gif);"></div></div>Cari Skusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03867915893000450291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3595323087595978062.post-91028575687589336612010-11-04T17:22:00.000-04:002010-11-04T17:22:31.158-04:00I almost forgot!<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TEMRPx16-8s/TNMjevIkGAI/AAAAAAAABXs/Lcpz0OIZpqg/s1600/IMG_9002.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TEMRPx16-8s/TNMjevIkGAI/AAAAAAAABXs/Lcpz0OIZpqg/s400/IMG_9002.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">I never mentioned Carrick got his braces off! It was during football season right after his birthday. He may be totally done (with the exception of wearing his retainer at night) now and not have to have any more work done! Yay! Now I only have one more to go (Cole is already in braces, Cade is next). </div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TEMRPx16-8s/TNMje5e9lEI/AAAAAAAABX0/ruDgHR-T87M/s1600/IMG_9003.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TEMRPx16-8s/TNMje5e9lEI/AAAAAAAABX0/ruDgHR-T87M/s400/IMG_9003.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Doesn't he look handsome?</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img align="middle" alt="Posted by Picasa" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 50% transparent; border: 0px none; padding: 0px;" /></a></div>Cari Skusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03867915893000450291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3595323087595978062.post-47238626376784153122010-11-03T11:38:00.000-04:002010-11-03T11:38:46.751-04:00I'm thinking of Christmas...!...cards, that is! I like to get mine done early and out of the way. In the past I have done a yearly wrap-up letter, but this year I think I'll just stick to the card. I picked up my cards in the beginning of summer. Summer, yes! I know that this is the best time to pick them up at the Hallmark store in the clearance section. I think that I got a box of cards for around $3.50, so that equals about .29¢ each! (I bought 5 boxes.)<br /><br />I also like to include a photo card each year so that those we longer see on a regular basis can see how the kids have grown. I love all the options they have at <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/">Shutterfly</a>. Something for everyone! You can see for yourself <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-cards">here</a>. I think that I will be picking "<a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/cards-stationery/merry-bright-holiday-4x8-photo-card-4x8-photo?sortType=1&amp;storeNode=93480">Merry &amp; Bright</a>".<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TEMRPx16-8s/TNF93XZjt3I/AAAAAAAABXM/gwLDX7PJ0pM/s1600/PHOTOCARD-4-4227-MERCHLARGE_FRONT-v128209207700087420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TEMRPx16-8s/TNF93XZjt3I/AAAAAAAABXM/gwLDX7PJ0pM/s320/PHOTOCARD-4-4227-MERCHLARGE_FRONT-v128209207700087420.jpg" width="161" /></a></div><br />The size works with my card and I like the clean design. Now I just have to get the kids to cooperate in the photo-taking department!<br /><br />I also usually do a yearly calendar for relatives each year. Works well for those "you-don't-know-what-to-buy" people on your list. I have ordered <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/calendars/">yearly calendars from Shutterfly</a> in the past and they were high-quality and looked great. They also shipped fast, too. Not sure if I will go with a<a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/calendars/desk-calendars"> Desk Calendar</a> or a <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/calendars/wall-calendars">Wall Calendar .</a>&nbsp; What's even better, they're on sale right now, 30% off after you buy the first one at full-price!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TEMRPx16-8s/TNGB9QcgA3I/AAAAAAAABXU/aPKtOI_i5IE/s1600/1009_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TEMRPx16-8s/TNGB9QcgA3I/AAAAAAAABXU/aPKtOI_i5IE/s320/1009_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />I really like the Photo Gallery Style and the fact that you can add in dates to be printed right on the calendar.<br /><br />So there you have it. Easier ways to get some of that Christmas stuff done before the rush starts! Now I'd better get cracking!Cari Skusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03867915893000450291noreply@blogger.com0New Sewickley, PA, USA40.706799110400006 -80.219249725341840.690533110400004 -80.2484322253418 40.723065110400007 -80.190067225341792tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3595323087595978062.post-2551246314234768082010-11-03T10:45:00.001-04:002010-11-03T10:48:27.784-04:00Change of Seasons<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TEMRPx16-8s/TNF0mhQEEmI/AAAAAAAABW0/c12jEXVJzis/s1600/IMG_9189.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TEMRPx16-8s/TNF0mhQEEmI/AAAAAAAABW0/c12jEXVJzis/s400/IMG_9189.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's all the Halloween stuff together, ready to be put away for another year. Sad to see it all go, but it's time to move on to the next season! And it's almost Christmas. I love to decorate for each season.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TEMRPx16-8s/TNF0m2Bnf4I/AAAAAAAABW8/1m3oBl3_AqA/s1600/IMG_9192.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TEMRPx16-8s/TNF0m2Bnf4I/AAAAAAAABW8/1m3oBl3_AqA/s400/IMG_9192.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">The mantle was all cleaned off and is ready for Thanksgiving/Fall decorating.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TEMRPx16-8s/TNF0nC9GUYI/AAAAAAAABXE/oxwFCNpvQ7o/s1600/IMG_9191.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TEMRPx16-8s/TNF0nC9GUYI/AAAAAAAABXE/oxwFCNpvQ7o/s400/IMG_9191.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Last night I did my weekly shopping. I had plenty of places to go (returns at Michaels and Target), prescription to pick up at Walgreens, Kohls to look at sweatshirts for the Coaches gift (I'll get your opinion on this soon), and my grocery/household shopping</div><div style="text-align: center;">at Walmart. I also made a stop at Marshalls for pants for DH. I love to see what I can find there and I know that when I find something I like, I'd better buy it or be out of luck. Last night I found Shiny-Brite ornaments, KD Sparkling Icicles and a bottlebrush tree. All for about $25. I love to decorate for Christmas (my kids do, too) and I like to change it up each year with a few new things. When I put things away for the season, I go through what I haven't used in a while and decide if it is "keep" or "pitch". If it is still useable, I donate it to the Veterans. Otherwise I throw it away. I no longer have the space or inclination to keep everything just in case I might use it.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">If you are ready to get in the Christmas spirit, check out <a href="http://issuu.com/inspired-ideas/docs/christmas">Amy Powers Inspired Ideas Christmas magazine.</a><br />It has so many great ideas for crafting and inspiration! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img align="middle" alt="Posted by Picasa" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 50% transparent; border: 0px none; padding: 0px;" /></a></div>Cari Skusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03867915893000450291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3595323087595978062.post-27253065847707150822010-11-02T13:15:00.000-04:002010-11-02T13:15:09.236-04:00Patriotic Day<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TEMRPx16-8s/TNBFMoqPUcI/AAAAAAAABWc/UgDzTJYSjWw/s1600/IMG_9175.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="427" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TEMRPx16-8s/TNBFMoqPUcI/AAAAAAAABWc/UgDzTJYSjWw/s640/IMG_9175.JPG" width="640" />&nbsp;</a><br />Last night was the PTA Veteran's Day Program featuring the 3rd Graders. I didn't get very good photos as you can see above, but they are still precious. It was wonderful to see all the Veterans get a little recognition. I was surprised to see how many in the audience were Veterans. I brought a tear to my eye and a swell in my heart.<br />The students sang about 5 songs and some of the students were picked to read their poems they wrote. Cade was picked, but Cole was not. He was upset about this because he thought his poem was better than his classmates, and also I think because Cade got to read his.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TEMRPx16-8s/TNBG5GXkkrI/AAAAAAAABWk/1iWypE7w48o/s1600/ivoted.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TEMRPx16-8s/TNBG5GXkkrI/AAAAAAAABWk/1iWypE7w48o/s320/ivoted.gif" width="320" /></a></div><br />I voted this morning too. I was number 184 I think (at about 10:30). Mark voted before he went to work at was 7th in line. I am so glad that I have the right to vote. I hope you all vote too!</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img align="middle" alt="Posted by Picasa" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 50% transparent; border: 0px none; padding: 0px;" /></a></div>Cari Skusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03867915893000450291noreply@blogger.com1